Electric vehicle tyres are a category of tyre that has been developed by several manufacturers to meet the specific requirements of an electric vehicle. Although not reinventing the wheel, tyres developed specifically for electric vehicles do need to perform to specific criteria. Namely, but not exclusively, the extra weight of an electric vehicle - which could lead to longer braking distances on conventional tyres - and the instant torque of an electric vehicle, which can result in increased an excessive tyre wear on conventional tyres.

The difference between EV tyres and normal car tyres

To deal with the greater weight of electric and hybrid vehicles, electric car tyres tend to be constructed with a reinforced sidewall. Load distribution across the tyre is also taken into consideration. Unique tread compound composition can be found in tyres designed specifically for an electric car, with a high proportion of silica often be used to deliver greater tread elasticity – reducing energy los and improving rolling resistance. Grip and braking on high torque vehicles are dealt with thanks to tread patterns that have been specially developed for aerodynamics and grip - even at high speeds.

How much do EV tyres cost?

Like their more conventional counterparts, tyres designed specifically for fitment on electric vehicles vary in price. With the market catering for a range of different price points - from premium models to budget options. As with most products, the price of EV tyres is dictated by the level of development, types of material and precision of equipment used to construct the tyres.

Why are electric cars heavier?

Electric vehicles tend to be heavier than their petrol or diesel counterparts due to a number of factors. The biggest being the battery – as the weight of a battery required to power a vehicle is great, sometimes making up a quarter of a vehicle’s total weight. Due to the importance of the battery, the bodywork required to protect the battery also adds weight to a vehicle. Thicker, more robust metal framework is put in place to ensure a battery is not damaged – including strong shell around the battery. Due to the increases in weight, components such as suspension tend to be more robust in EVs, again adding to the overall weight.

Do electric cars have special tyres?

The basic requirements for a tyre fitted to an electric vehicle are the same as that of a petrol or diesel. However, there are some quite specific traits to which they have been adjusted to provide an optimum performance – which has led some of the top tyre manufacturers to develop tyres specifically for use on electric vehicles. These traits include – aerodynamics, rolling resistance, durability, noise and torque.

Why don't electric cars have a spare tyre?

Spare wheels/tyres are increasingly rare in modern vehicles. This is especially true for hybrid cars. There are a few reasons for this. General tyre maintenance and pressure levels are greater than they once were thanks to the advancements made over the past decade in tyre pressure monitoring system. Incorrect pressure being a common cause for tyre failures. For EVs, weight is also a factor, with spare wheels adding more weight to an already heavy vehicle – affecting the range they can drive.

Do tyres wear out faster on electric cars?

If a motorist fits conventional tyres to their EV – that is tyres which were not designed for the torque and weight of electric vehicles – then it can lead to faster wear rates. EV tyres have been developed and constructed with material which take into consideration the unique requirements of an electric car, which should lead to there being no discernible early or accelerated wearing of the tyres.

Do electric cars need winter tyres?

Fitting winter tyres to an electric vehicle is not essential – but can help to improve the driving performance of the vehicle during the winter months. Deciding on whether winter tyres are needed for an EV is a decision for the owner of the vehicle to make. To find out more about winter tyres and their benefits, visit our winter tyres page.

How often should electric vehicle tyres be rotated?

The tyres of an electric or hybrid car may require rotation during it’s lifespan. There is no industry standard recommendation on EV tyre rotation – so it is advised that you rotate the tyres on your EV in accordance with the information in your vehicle’s instruction manual.

What type of maintenance does an electric car need?

As a rule of thumb, electric vehicles require less maintenance than conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. However, that is not to say things can’t go wrong or that components will not require some work. Regular maintenance may be required on such items as the pollen filter (replacement), brakes (and brake fluid) and air conditioning.

Does EVs need an oil change?

Unlike a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle, electric/hybrid cars do not make use of engine oil. So an oil change, as we know it, is not required. However, electric vehicles do use a type of oil in their gearboxes – as such this type of oil could require changing during an EV’s lifespan.